We’re delighted to welcome a dear friend of ours to the blog today! For years, we’ve admired Allie Klein’s joyful approach to play and her ability to create toys and tools that truly support families. So when we learned about her new venture, Charmspring, and the beautifully designed Springboards that help children navigate routines with confidence and calm, we knew we wanted to share the story.
Springboards offer a gentle, structured way for families to move through the rhythms of the day. These handy tactile boards and tile sets transform busy mornings, after-school transitions, and bedtime routines into moments of connection. We asked Allie some questions to learn more about the inspiration that shaped these thoughtful tools and how sxhe uses them with her own family.
Can you share a little about the origin of Charmspring and how it was created.
We’re moms to five kids under seven, and we were searching for a simple way to help them make sense of their day and understand their routines. We noticed that when our kids knew what to expect, they leaned into the joy of anticipating what was ahead instead of feeling blindsided or resistant. When we couldn’t find a tool that truly worked, we started making our own DIY versions out of construction paper, crayons, and photos. It quickly became clear that other parents were looking for the same kind of support. That realization brought Steph, Jennie and I together to create Charmspring. From the beginning, we partnered with developmental psychologists to ensure our products not only help families move through the day with more ease, but also build lifelong skills and deepen family connection.
What inspired you to get involved with this product and company?
My career has always centered on supporting families by creating tools and experiences that nurture child development and, hopefully, make parenting feel a little lighter. After years of building a toy company, I worked across a variety of projects in the family and child space. I loved each of these experiences, but my heart has always been in creating products that make family life feel easier, more joyful, and more supported. Charmspring brings together everything I care most about: thoughtful design, child development, and products that genuinely make everyday life better for families.
Can you give some examples or share a story of how you use the springboard with your family?
Every Sunday I set up my son’s (who is almost 4) Springboard for the week. I start by gathering tiles for any new activities and reflecting on the week before to think about what went well and what could run more smoothly. Recently, for example, I added a bath time tile to his after school routine because he was coming home overstimulated. A short bath and some sensory play helped him ease into the afternoon much more calmly. Once I’ve built the basic framework of his week, I invite him to help me finalize the board.
Whenever possible, I offer simple choices about parts of his day. I might ask, “At bedtime would you like to brush your teeth or put on pajamas first?” or “After school tomorrow would you like to go to the playground or play with your trucks?” These small choices give him ownership over his day and make everything run more smoothly. Throughout the week, we return to the board again and again.
I love watching him independently check it to see what’s coming next or use his morning routine tiles to tackle tasks on his own. We also use it together as a way to talk about the day, reflect on harder moments, or preview what’s ahead. It has created so many small moments of connection, which we know as parents are really the big ones.
This system seems particularly connected to Montessori education where children learn to be independent and in control of their own routines. Can you talk about this connection and add any developmental or educational insights about the importance of structure and boundaries with kids?
In a Montessori environment, the goal is to create a clear, predictable structure that empowers children to manage themselves without constant adult intervention. A visual schedule, like a Springboard, supports this beautifully because it gives children visibility into their day and helps them understand what is going to happen next. Instead of relying on adults to narrate every transition, children learn to reference the schedule themselves.
A simple habit is to invite your child to answer their own questions by looking at the board. You might say, “You’re wondering what is going to happen after breakfast. Why don’t we take a look at your Springboard and see what comes next.” Over time, children naturally begin checking the board instead of asking you. This shift is incredibly powerful because it provides predictability, reduces stress, and gives them the chance to problem-solve independently.
From a developmental perspective, structure and boundaries are not about rigidity. They offer a flexible framework that helps children feel safe enough to explore, make choices, and take age-appropriate ownership of their routines. When children know what to expect, they experience fewer surprises and fewer power struggles. Their energy can go toward curiosity, creativity, and connection rather than coping with uncertainty.
Thank you!
We’re grateful to Allie for sharing her wisdom and for creating something that supports the real, everyday lives of families. If you’re looking to bring more ease, confidence, and collaboration into your home rhythms, Springboards may be exactly the companion your family needs. Here's to a year of easy transitions and new routines!
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